Safeguarding gains in the sexual and reproductive health and AIDS response amidst covid-19: The role of african civil society

Abstract

We outline the role of African Civil Society in safeguarding gains registered to date in the sexual and reproductive health and HIV response. We make a case why civil society organizations (CSOs) must vigilantly be engaged in the COVID-19 response in Africa. Lockdown disruptions, and rerouting of health funds to the pandemic, have impeded access to essential Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), and social protection services. Compounded by pre-existing inequalities faced by vulnerable populations, poor SRH outcomes amid COVID-19 calls for CSOs' intensified demand on accountability of Governments. CSOs also rapidly close community-health facility gaps and provide safety-nets to mitigate the COVID-19 gendered impact.